Men should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports. 

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in State of West Virginia v. B.P.J and Little v. Hecox cases, both of which involve the protection of women’s sports. 

The West Virginia and Idaho laws differentiate between males and females based on physical and physiological differences between.

In September, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) filed amicus curiae briefs in both cases, supporting the states defending women and girls. ACPeds trusts the Supreme Court will restore common sense, fairness, and safety in women’s sports by recognizing the biological reality that men and women are different.

Genetics is the primary driver of sex differences; these differences begin at fertilization when genes that are present on the X and Y chromosomes start to direct the development of the new individual. 

Genes are expressed differently in males versus females, impacting athletic abilities. For example, there are over 3,000 genes that are expressed differently in male and female skeletal muscles. So, it is impossible to erase physical differences between men and women—even with drugs.

In sports, biology matters. Our position statement on male participation in female sports makes this very clear.

Testosterone plays an important role in regulating brain development, bone mass and shape, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and density, heart size, lung capacity, and the production of red blood cells. The result is a clear male advantage in all these systems even after adjusting for sex differences in height and weight. 

Because testosterone is present during fetal life and early childhood, research shows differences between the athletic abilities of boys and girls even before puberty.

One study of over 85,000 Australian children between 9 and 17 years-old demonstrated differences between young boys and girls, with 9-year-old boys running faster than girls in short sprints, running faster in the longer distance one mile, and jumping farther from a standing start. In addition, the young boys could complete 33% more push-ups in 30 seconds than girls and had a more powerful grip. 

Male athletes consistently outperform females in speed, strength, endurance and power, as demonstrated by world records; males have a 10-30% advantage over females. 

Estrogen use by males results in physiologic changes such as a redistribution of fat and reduction in muscle mass and hemoglobin levels, but it does not eliminate male athletic advantages. Research shows that males on testosterone suppressants (anti-androgens and estrogen) have athletic performance that is lower than males not taking them, but their performance still remains higher than women.

It also endangers women’s physical safety.

Science and common sense tell us that males are generally bigger, faster, and stronger than females. Women can get physically hurt when competing in sports where males are allowed to play.

It is also unsafe for women and girls to be forced to share private spaces with males. 

Women deserve their own private spaces and shouldn’t be forced to share women’s showers, restrooms, and locker rooms with males.

Allowing men to compete in women’s sports also counteracts all advances made in the past 50 years for women’s equality.

Title IX was designed to guarantee equal opportunity for women, but allowing men to compete against women has undermined and negated women’s successes. It has also displaced women and girls in sports competitions because of males’ biological advantage.

It is not safe or fair to allow male participation in competitive female sports which require strength, power, endurance and speed. 

We must respect biological differences between males and females and protect women’s and girls sports, privacy, and safety. 

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